Researchers at the Universitat Politècnica de València and the University of Alicante developed an innovative floating buoy that prevents jellyfish from reaching shorelines, reducing the likelihood of stings for swimmers and beachgoers.
The buoy incorporates a range of electronic devices, power systems, and specially designed coils that produce electromagnetic fields. These fields immobilize jellyfish and discourage them from entering designated swimming zones. Researchers from the Research Institute for Integrated Management of Coastal Areas at the Universitat Politècnica de València’s Gandia campus, led by Jaime Lloret, developed and evaluated the technology.
The Science Behind the Jellyfish Deterrent System
According to Lloret, jellyfish propel themselves by rhythmically contracting their bell-shaped bodies, generating water flow that enables movement. Electromagnetic fields can interfere with this process, decreasing the frequency of these contractions or even causing temporary paralysis, which significantly limits the animals’ ability to swim and hold their position.
As a result, jellyfish experience a temporary reduction in mobility. However, once they move beyond the range of the electromagnetic emitter, natural forces such as gravity and water currents allow them to regain normal movement.
The technology is environmentally friendly and non-invasive, producing an immediate repellent effect on jellyfish without causing them harm or generating waste that could negatively impact marine ecosystems.
Reversible Electromagnetic Effects on Jellyfish
According to César Bordehore, coordinator of the Terrestrial and Marine Ecosystem Management and Restoration Research Group at the University of Alicante, the system poses no risk to jellyfish, which are able to resume normal movement as soon as they leave the device’s area of influence.
In contrast to conventional physical barriers that can interfere with a variety of marine organisms, this technology specifically targets jellyfish while leaving other species unaffected. It also offers practical benefits, including lower installation costs and reduced maintenance requirements due to its compact design.
They also note that the buoy houses its key components within a single floating structure, which simplifies access for maintenance and makes repairs or component replacements quicker and more efficient.
Supplementary Sensors
The buoy is also equipped with a range of sensors developed by the IGIC research team at the Universitat Politècnica de València, allowing it to monitor key water-quality indicators, including temperature, turbidity, chlorophyll concentration, and dissolved oxygen levels.
The system represents the culmination of more than five years of research conducted by the IGIC team. In addition to Jaime Lloret, the project involved Sandra Sendra, Lorena Parra, and Alberto Ivars, who is currently completing his bachelor’s thesis on the buoy. The device is designed to protect beachgoers from jellyfish stings while ensuring that the animals remain unharmed.
Read the original article on: Phys.Org
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